Taking 4x4 motoring to a different level

10:06am Friday 16th May 2008

Renault's longstanding MPV experience combined with the 4x4 technology already proven on existing Alliance models, ensures that its all-new 4x4 crossover, Koleos, benefits from a rich heritage of expertise. Koleos is Renault's first-ever entry into the growing crossover segment, boasting MPV levels of comfort and interior space combined with robust exterior styling and genuine off-road ability.

Its practicality is evident in its split-opening tailgate, 70 litres of stowage space and impressive boot volume of up to 1,380 litres with the rear seats folded. Off-road, Koleos excels with innovative features such as Hill Start Assist, Hill Descent Control system, the all mode 4x4i' system developed by Nissan for the X-Trail (which shares the same platform with Koleos), and approach and departure angles of 27 and 31 degrees respectively.

A newcomer in the 4x4 sector the new Renault Koleos is already betting the

As well as the four-wheel drive, Koleos will also be available in permanent two-wheel drive form appealing to those who enjoy its distinctive, crossover looks and spacious MPV-like versatility complete with high visibility driving position, but have no need to use the vehicle off-road.

Performance engines and value for money prices Renault Koleos is offered with a choice of two diesel 2.0-litre Alliance engines, the dCi 150 and the dCi 175. Unusually for a 4x4 crossover, Koleos is available with six-speed gearbox and in manual or automatic transmission. Prices start from £17,995 for the Koleos Dynamique dCi 150 4x2 manual, rising to £24, 695 for the Privilège dCi 175 4x4 manual CO emissions for Koleos range between 191 and 221 g/km, with Koleos versions falling into Band F for CO emissions. Renault may be a newcomer to the 4x4 crossover segment, but it already beats some of its closest competitors in a number of areas including price, standard equipment, boot space, approach/ departure angle and warranty.

Expected best-seller, Koleos Dynamique S dCi 150 4x4 is priced at £20,495 - £1,295 cheaper than the equivalent Honda CR-V SE and £1,275 less than the Tiguan SE. Koleos Dynamique dCi 150 4x4 beats Ford's Kuga Zetec on price coming in at £18,995 compared to Kuga's £20,495 - £1,500 more than the Renault. Koleos' standard equipment list is also impressive, especially compared to its rivals who can only offer features that are standard on Koleos, such as fog lamps and enhanced comfort features you'd expect on a 4x4 such as cruise control, as options.

Renault's continual improvements in the quality and durability of its products are further enforced with Koleos' three-year, 100,000 miles warranty offering complete peace of mind. Some competitors just can't match Renault Koleos in terms of warranty with the VW Tiguan, Ford Kuga, Toyota RAV4 available with three-year, 60,000 miles warranty and the Honda CR-V offering three-year, 90,000 miles.

The approach and departure angle, at 27˚ and 31˚ respectively, offered by Koleos is amongst the best available on the market and substantially better than some competitors, positioning Koleos as one of the most versatile, stylish and practical vehicles in its segment. Ford Kuga's approach and departure angle is 21˚ and 25˚ respectively, whilst VW Tiguan offers 18˚ and 25˚.

Koleos features some new-for-Renault technology, benefiting from the knowledge and expertise of the Renault-Nissan Alliance.

The Hill Start Assist function on Renault Koleos is just as useful for everyday motoring as it is off-road. The system is automatically activated on gradients of more than 10% to prevent the vehicle from slipping back down the slope. It also means there is no need for the driver to switch rapidly from the brake pedal to the accelerator pedal which is inherent in other vehicles.

The Hill Descent Control system offers even safer off-road motoring. This function is activated via a switch on the central fascia and automatically holds the vehicle's speed at a maximum of four mph on downhill gradients of 10% or more without the need to use the brakes. Particularly useful when Koleos is use off-road, this system also contributes to active safety since it allows the vehicle's downhill speed to be controlled on steep, snowy or icy slopes. It also works in reverse gear, too.

Koleos' navigation system has a number of specific off-road features, including an altimeter and barometer. The vehicle's angle of inclination, the slope and an altitude graph are equally displayed, while a digital compass takes the stress out of finding the correct heading when there are no signposts to be seen. This system uses data transmitted by elements already used for other functions, including the ESP sensor.

The Super-fold' system, introduced on New Laguna Sport Tourer, enables the 60/40 split-rear seat base to tip forward and backrest fold down all by the flick of one switch in the boot. With the rear seat in the folded position, the boot floor becomes entirely flat to further facilitate loading. The boot volume of 450 litres with all five seats in the upright position extends to a very generous 1,380 litres once the rear seat has been folded.

The available space can also be compartmented thanks to the presence of several hooks which enable the multipurpose retention net to be fixed in a choice of ways. In keeping with Koleos' calling as a vehicle designed for outdoor leisure activities, its rear seat backrest is equipped with a ski hatch. The back of the front passenger seat can also be folded down to either form a table or permit the transport of items of up to 2.60m in length.

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